Overview
Identified as a hand-thrown studio pottery lidded jar or canister based on the visible stoneware body, prominent throwing rings on the interior, and abstract brushwork glaze decoration.
Identification
Studio Pottery Stoneware Lidded Jar
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
This piece is attributed to Jo Severson, an American studio potter working in the late 20th century. Her work often exhibits Mingei (Japanese folk art) influences, characterized by functional stoneware forms, earthy glazes, and expressive brushwork. The impressed chop mark on the base is typical of studio potters from this era, though definitive identification often requires specialized regional directories or direct gallery provenance. Late 20th-century American studio pottery has a dedicated but niche collector base.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Based on the provided information, the exterior appears to be in good condition with no glaring structural damage, and the abstract glaze decoration remains vibrant. The unglazed foot ring shows normal shelf wear consistent with age.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
Late 20th-century American studio pottery has a dedicated but niche collector base. Functional stoneware pieces like lidded jars and casseroles trade steadily, though they rarely command high premiums unless attached to a major name (e.g., Warren MacKenzie). Buyers are typically found on specialized ceramics platforms, Etsy, and eBay. Pieces with strong, abstract brushwork and Mingei-influenced forms are currently popular among mid-century modern and wabi-sabi interior design enthusiasts.
Value Drivers
▲ Verified retail asking price of $96 for a similar lidded form by the maker establishes a solid mid-market baseline.
▲ Expressive abstract brushwork and Mingei-influenced stoneware form appeal to current interior design trends.
▲ Intact lid matching the base body ensures the piece is a complete, functional set.
Concerns
▼ Unverified attribution — without a gallery card or definitive mark reference, the piece may trade as generic studio pottery.
▼ Unverified inner rim condition — hidden chips or 'flea bites' under the lid would significantly reduce functional and collector value.
▼ Lack of sold comparables — reliance on asking prices means the actual liquid market value could be lower.
Best Venue
List on Etsy or eBay with clear, well-lit photos of the maker's mark and all angles, including the interior. Include exact dimensions and explicitly state the condition of the inner rims to reassure buyers. If the attribution to Jo Severson can be definitively proven (e.g., via a gallery card), highlight this in the title and description.
Upside Potential
If definitive provenance (such as a gallery receipt or exhibition catalog) confirming the Jo Severson attribution is provided, and the piece is exceptionally large (over 10 inches tall), it could reach the upper end of the $150-$250 range seen in optimistic gallery listings.
▾Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 7 comps
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.
Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 7 comps
- $460
- Revere Auctions· 2023-05-1712 Studio Ceramic Pottery VesselsLot of 12 vessels, not a single lidded jar.$225
- Curated CeramicsJo Severson teapotDifferent form (teapot).$125
- $80
- EtsyVintage MCM Jo Severson Pottery VaseDifferent form (vase).$72
- EtsyJo Severson PitcherDifferent form (pitcher).$58
- Whatnot· 2024-07-1940. Vintage Hand Painted Studio Pottery Stoneware Vase Vessel Signed Jo SeversonDifferent form (vase).No price